Ruwanda and Burundi (88/07/01)
In central Africa there is a tribe of exceptionally tall people. Many adult males are over two meters in height. They are an aristocratic people known as the Watutsi. Although they are a minority people in the area, with such a physical stature, it is not surprising that they dominated the more numerous Hutu tribesmen for centuries. At the close of the 19th century, the Tutsi kingdom became a part of the German East Africa Colony. After the First World War, this area came under the control of Belgium and on July 1, 1962, independence was granted to two new republics called Rwanda and Burundi. Together, these two landlocked countries have an area about the same as the Japanese islands of Kyushu and Shikoku combined. They are a couple of the poorest and most densely populated countries in Africa. Most of their inhabitants live with their extended families in rural compounds and few are able to read or write. Tribal hostility between the Tutsi and the Hutu has caused hundreds of thousands of deaths since independence was gained 26 years ago today. Those of us living comfortable lives in the so-called advanced countries of the world must consider our responsibilities toward fellow human beings living in poverty and ignorance. (2619)
Sphinx (88/07/02)
Do you know what a sphinx is? A mysterious, inscrutable person may be called a sphinx. This word comes from the name of a mythological creature that had a human head and the body of a lion. In Greek mythology, the sphinx had wings and the head of a woman. It lived on a high rock and killed all people who could not answer its riddle. In the older Egyptian mythology, the sphinx usually had a man's head, was always in a reclining position and was often used as the symbol of ancient Egyptian kings. The famous Great Sphinx is a colossal figure sculptured out of a mass of natural rock on the outskirts of Cairo. This 75-meter-long figure has been resting on the sandy ground near the Great Pyramid of Cheops for about 4,600 years. Long ago, this sphinx lost its nose and last February a 300 kilogram boulder fell from its right shoulder. An international committee of specialists have been discussing how to repair this ancient monument and how to strengthen it to reduce further deterioration. Repairs and reinforcement are scheduled to begin this month. We should take good care of our bodies as well as ancient monuments, remembering the English proverb that "Prevention is better than cure". (2620)
Loyalty (88/07/03)
In Japan, showing loyalty to one's respected leader or teacher is an important virtue. This sometimes causes problems in a church when a highly respected pastor retires or moves to a different area and a new pastor takes his place. It is difficult for some church members to change their loyalty to a new leader. This is not a new problem, nor is it peculiar to Japan. We see a similar situation reflected in the First Letter to the Corinthians in the New Testament. In chapter 1 of that letter, it is noted that there were divisions in the church because different groups were loyal to different leaders--some following Paul, others following Apollos or Peter. In chapter 3, Paul explains that all these Christian leaders are partners all working together for God. Paul planted the seed and Apollos watered the plant, but "The one who sows and the one who waters really do not matter. It is God who matters because he makes the plant grow." [verse 7] A basic cause of division in the church throughout history is that people have focused their attention on other human beings rather than upon God and his will. The Christian's primary loyalty is not toward teachers or pastors, nor toward parents, employers or government leaders. Our primary allegiance is toward God, our Creator, Savior and heavenly Teacher. (2621)
Independence Day (88/07/04)
Professor Takeo Doi is well-known for his research on a peculiar Japanese characteristic he calls amae. In English, this word is translated as "dependence". Professor Doi maintains that this attitude of dependence permeates Japanese society. In the United States, on the other hand, a basic ideal from its early days has been "independence". A revolutionary war, which continued for six years, was fought to gain its independence and today marks the 212th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Independence Day on the 4th of July is one of the main holidays in the United States. In the New Testament, the ideal society is one which combines dependence and independence as noted in Ephesians 4:16. When the separate parts of the body work together, "the whole body grows and builds itself up through love." (2622)
Davis Cup (88/07/05)
Do you know the difference between a Japanese koppu and a kappu? A kappu is a cylindrical, drinking vessel made of glass and having no handle. In English, this utensil is called a glass and a "cup" is a drinking vessel with a handle. The Japanese word, koppu, does not come from English but from Dutch. A particular kind of "cup" is sometimes used as a trophy awarded to winners of certain tournaments. This cup is called a kappu in Japanese. The most highly prized team trophy in international tennis is the Davis Cup. The United States and Australia have been the major cup winners over the years, but a Japanese team reached the Davis Cup finals once, in 1921. This Cup is named after the man who donated it in 1900. Dwight F. Davis was born on July 5,1879, 109 years ago today. An outstanding tennis player himself, he served as Secretary of war in President Coolidge's cabinet. George Shultz, the present Secretary of State in President Reagan's cabinet, is also a tennis player. I think people who spend most of their time using their heads should have a hobby in which they exercise their bodies. Which do you exercise more, your body or your mind? (2623)
Sa-bu (88/07/06)
In front of Nagoya Station there is the statue of a dog, named Sa-bu. Sa-bu was a faithful Seeing-Eye dog which guided its blind masters safely around the city streets. Some years ago, it lost a leg in an accident in the line of duty and has been esteemed as an example of a loyal pet ever since. Last month, Sa-bu died and newspapers ran articles with photographs of the tribute paid to him at various memorial rites. These rites seemed to be very similar to those conducted for human beings -- with pictures, flowers, incense, prayers and chōji. Since I am interested in trying to understand the Japanese mind, particularly in regard to religion, faith or worship, I would be happy if you would write me a letter explaining your understanding of the significance of these ceremonies for a dog and how they differ, if they do, from similar rites for departed family members. Jews, Christians and Muslims are taught to worship no one or nothing other than the one true and living God, although we also respect the memories of our departed loved ones. I wonder whether, in the Japanese mind, rites for dead people, animals and sewing needles, etc, violate the commandment not to worship other gods. What do you think? This is: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office, Nagoya 463. (2624)
The Milky Way (88/07/07)
If it rains tonight, two legendary lovers in the starry sky will be disappointed, for according to the legend, once a year, on this 7th day of the 7th month, a girl star called the weaver and a boy star called the cowherd are permitted to meet from their different sides of the celestial river--if it doesn't rain. That heavenly river, or ama-no-kawa, is also called a silver river, or ginga, in Japanese, but do you know its English name? It is called the Milky Way. There are said to be about 100 billion stars in that galaxy, one of which is the sun which warms and brightens our earth. One must be careful when using the word "billion" for this word has different meanings in British English and American English. In America, a billion is equal to 10 oku in Japanese, while in England it is a Japanese chō. Thus, if you are a billion dollars in debt, it is better to be in America than in England. If you are able to look up at the starry sky tonight, think of the prayer of the ancient poet who wrote in the 8th Psalm, "When I look at the sky which you have made, at the stars which you set in their places--what is man that you care for him?" The loving care for us human creatures by the Creator of the universe is even more mysterious than the Tanabata legend. (2625)
Amnesty International (88/07/08)
Two English words are derived from a Greek word meaning forgetful or not remembering. The one, "amnesia", refers to a loss of memory. The other, "amnesty", refers to a general pardon for offenders by a government, particularly for those who have committed political offenses. In 1961, a British lawyer founded an organization to provide practical help for people imprisoned for their political and religious beliefs or because of racial or linguistic prejudice. This organization, which also opposes torture and the death penalty and actively urges support for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, is called Amnesty International. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations. To commemorate this anniversary, Amnesty International is holding special meetings in various cities. In Nagoya, an Eiga to Kōen no Tsudoi will be held tomorrow evening from 6:30 to 8:30 at the Nagoya International Center, east of Nagoya Station. The lecture at that meeting, entitled Kokorono Kokusaika, will be delivered by an American pastor, named Clark Offner, who is also the composer and transmitter of these "Daily Word" messages. You are invited to attend. (2626)
Mazes (88/07/09)
Japan has adopted many ideas or customs from other lands--some of which it has altered and sent back overseas. The recent "maze craze" is an example. A maze, or meiro in Japanese, is an intricate and confusing network of pathways through which people must find their way to the exit. Japan's first giant maze opened in Kyoto two years ago. Now, there are over 110 giant mazes throughout the country, the most popular of which drew 760,000 visitors last year. Seeing their popularity in this land, an American company is now introducing this form of recreation into the United States. Using 2-meter high wooden panels, three mazes with varying degrees of difficulty are now under construction along a main highway between San Francisco and Sacramento, California. This recreational area, which will include a restaurant, gift shop, video arcade and gardens, is scheduled to open in August. The largest maze in the world, with 6.5 kilometers of paths, is located in Italy. In 1807, even Napoleon got lost in it. To many people, life itself is a kind of maze. They are looking for the right way to a certain goal, but they are confused. The Christian finds help in the Bible to find the way to a meaningful life. (2627)
"Busybody" (88/07/10)
The word "business", spelled b-u-s-i-n-e-s-s, usually refers to the occupation, work or trade in which a person is engaged or to some commercial dealings. However, it may also refer to one's personal affairs or concerns. "Busyness", spelled b-u-s-y-n-e-s-s, is the condition of being busy. A person who is very active may be said to be "as busy as a bee". However, the term "busybody" signifies a person who meddles in another's business. In Japanese, such a person is called an osekkaimono. In his letters to the Thessalonians, the Apostle Paul warned against such busybodies [11:3:11]. In chapter 4, verses 11-12, of his first letter to this group of Christians, he wrote: "Make it your aim to live a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to earn your own living.... In this way you will win the respect of those who are not believers." The Christian is expected to live in such a way that he or she will be respected by non-Christians. One way to gain such respect is to have a calm and quiet disposition, not to meddle in other people's affairs and to support oneself in order not to be dependent upon the favor of others. (2628)
Mongolia (88/07/11)
One of the greatest empires of all time was that of the Mongols, who come from the territory between Russia and China. In the 13th century, the Mongols ruled a huge area, including most of Asia and Eastern Europe. Later, Mongolia came under Chinese control. On July 11, 1921, a communist regime was established there and today is a national holiday in the Mongolian People's Republic commemorating that event. The area of the country is over four times that of Japan, but its population is less than that of the city of Nagoya. As a satellite of the Soviet Union, Mongolia today has little influence in world affairs. It provides another example of the changing circumstances of history and how a "superpower" of one age may later become insignificant. The Bible teaches that history is not governed by chance but that there is a divine purpose in historical events. (2629)
Henry David Thoreau (88/07/12)
Literally, "kill" means to put to death. However, it is also used in figurative expressions. Thus, to "kill time" means to be engaged in some meaningless activity, and as a slang expression, "kill" may mean to make a favorable impression on or to attract attention. On some social occasions, certain persons are "dressed to kill". A famous American independent thinker and nonconformist who had something to say about killing time and the kind of clothes to wear was born 171 years ago today, on July 12,1817. Henry David Thoreau showed his independent spirit while a student at Harvard. Because the rules required black at chapel services, he wore a green coat. How would he get along in a Japanese junior high school today? His literary masterpiece, Walden, includes experiences and thoughts during two years of isolation in a cabin by Walden Pond. Extolling the virtues of a simple life, he wrote, "Beware of all enterprises that require new clothes", which would not make him very popular in today's commercialized, fashion-oriented society. He also insisted that a person cannot "kill time without injuring eternity". His thoughts are worthy of serious reconsideration in our day. (2630)
Announcements (88/07/13)
According to the confusing American system of weights and measurements, an ounce is both a unit of weight and a unit of volume. As a unit of weight, l6 ounces make a pound. As a unit of liquid volume, 32 ounces make a quart. The verb, to announce, has no relationship to an ounce, but in today's message, I will make some announcements regarding this telephone service. If you wish to receive a written copy of the spoken messages, please send me an envelope with your name and address and a ¥60 stamp on it plus another ¥60 stamp for the copy charge. Every Thursday, I mail out copies of the messages for the following week. If you wish to make comments about this telephone service, I would be happy to read them. If you write a short essay giving your thoughts about or your reaction to any subject treated in these messages, I will correct it and print it in the next issue of "Daily Word" Echoes. Although it is our custom to hold a meeting of listeners on the 5th Sunday afternoons of the month, on the 5th Sunday of this month I will be out of town, so the next meeting of listeners will be held on Sunday afternoon, August 21st. Please make a note of it and plan to attend. This is: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office, Nagoya 463. (2631)
Yellow dresses (88/07/14)
Through the years the color red has been associated with communist revolutionary activities, but the non-violent revolution that occurred two years ago in the Philippines was symbolized by the color yellow. Three years earlier, when Benigno Aquino returned to Manila from the United States, he was met by supporters waving yellow flags and singing a popular song called "Yellow Ribbon". Following his assassination, yellow became the color symbolizing opposition to the Marcos government and Mrs. Aquino wore yellow dresses in her campaign for president. After her election, she continued to wear yellow on many formal and informal occasions. However, she has not been seen in yellow since the second anniversary of the revolution last February and she has now indicated that she is tired of being bound to that color. Although some Filipinos fear that Mrs. Aquino's change in the color of her clothes symbolizes a change in the color of her administration, I admire her for being willing to break a trivial tradition that unnecessarily bound her. As Somerset Maugham has written, "Tradition is a guide and not a jailer". All traditions need to be periodically reexamined to see if they are still relevant and serving a useful purpose. (2632)
Rembrandt (88/07/15)
Even as certain traits are characteristic of people of particular nations, so the classical art of those nations have certain characteristic qualities. Even a person like me who lacks a keen artistic appreciation can sense differences between Chinese and Japanese styles in oriental art. Similarly, there are distinguishing traits in western art which characterize Italian, German, French or Dutch painters. The Dutch School of art includes distinctive types of portraits and landscapes which make effective use of light and shade. Today is the birthday of the greatest master of the Dutch School of art, who was born 383 years ago on July 15, 1606. At the age of 23, Rembrandt van Rijn established himself at Amsterdam and never left that city until his death 39 years later. His art has a warm human quality that gives it universal appeal. Among his 600 paintings, 300 etchings and nearly 2000 drawings were many portraits, including almost a hundred self-portraits that show his stylistic growth over the years and a deep self-awareness. A word of Rembrandt which may encourage people aspiring to higher heights is: "Practice what you know, and it will help to make clear what now you do not know." (2633)
Blind triathlon contestant (88/07/16)
A triathlon is an athletic contest in which each contestant participates in three different events. Tomorrow, a triathlon will be held on an island in the Seto Inland Sea. It will include swimming for 1.5 kilometers, riding a bicycle for 40 kilometers and running for 10 kilometers. In tomorrow's triathlon, the oldest participant will be a 70-year-old man from Kanagawa Prefecture. More surprising than his advanced age, however, is the fact that, for the past 24 years, Mr. Sugimoto has been totally blind. Chairman of a national marathon association for the blind, Sugimoto has run in many marathon races. On five previous occasions, he applied for participation in triathlon contests in Japan but was never accepted until this year. A friend will accompany him in the swimming and running events and also ride with him on a bicycle built for two. Mr. Sugimoto hopes his participation in this contest will help break down the discrimination against handicapped people in this land. There is a Persian proverb that "A blind man who sees is better than a seeing man who is blind". In John 9: 41, Jesus accused the religious traditionalists of his day of being blind. (2634)
"A great High Priest" (88/07/17)
In most Protestant churches, those who have been formally designated as religious leaders of a congregation of believers are called pastors, which comes from the Latin word for shepherd. A pastor may also be called a minister because ministering to the needs of the flock is a part of the pastor's responsibilities. In the Roman Catholic Church, pastors are also called priests, which emphasizes a ceremonial or ritualistic role as mediators between God and common people. A mediator is one who stands between two conflicting parties, but Protestants do not make such a clear distinction between the clergy and ordinary believers. We consider Jesus Christ as the only Mediator between God and ourselves. In the New Testament Letter to the Hebrews, chapter 4, verses 14-16, Jesus, the Son of God, is referred to as "a great High Priest" who can sympathize with us in our weakness because he also "was tempted in every way that we are, but did not sin." It is through this "High Priest" that we "approach God's throne". Recognizing Christ alone as our Mediator, we often close our prayers with the words "in Jesus' name" because it is through him that we have fellowship with our Heavenly Father. (2635)
William Thackeray (88/07/18)
The basic meaning of "vanity" is the condition of being vain, which may mean either proud or worthless. In John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, "Vanity Fair" was a fair where all kinds of vanities were on sale. This expression is now used to mean a place of empty, idle amusement. Vanity Fair was also the title of a famous satirical novel by a famous English writer. It has been called a novel without a hero for none of its characters invite respect. One has virtue but no intellect and another has intellect without virtue. The futility and vanity of life expressed in this novel reflects the unhappy life of its author, William Makepeace Thackeray, who was born 177 years ago today, on July 18, 1811. Although most of Thackeray's writings were satirical, here is a quotation of his that has positive value: "Next to excellence is the appreciation of it." (2636)
Sandinista Revolution (88/07/19)
The largest of the Central American countries, located between Mexico and Colombia, is Nicaragua, which is about two-thirds the size of Hokkaido. For the past seven years, fighting has been going on there between "contra" forces, supported by the United States government, and the Sandinistas, who now control the country. Today is a holiday in Nicaragua commemorating the victory of the Sandinista Revolution on July 19, 1979. The Sandinista National Liberation Front took its name from a guerrilla leader, Gen. Sandino, who began fighting against American occupation forces in 1927. Following the withdrawal of U. S. troops, the American backed Somoza dictatorship began. Gen. Somoza, who assassinated Gen. Sandino, was later assassinated himself. Sandinista guerrillas launched an offensive against Somoza's son in1979. After seven weeks of fighting, they drove him from the country and gained control--nine years ago today. In 1818, Henry Clay stated in a speech in the U.S. House of Representatives, that "All oppressed people are authorized, whenever they can, to rise and break their fetters," Do you agree with him? This is: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office, Nagoya 463. (2637)
Umi no kinenbi (88/07/20)
According to the Japanese almanac, today, July 20th, is Umi no kinenbi. Do you what this "Ocean Memorial Day" commemorates? Since it was first observed in 1941,1 presume that it may have some wartime, nationalistic roots. In fact, it is said to commemorate the landing of Emperor Meiji in Yokohama in 1876. Instead of boarding a warship for the voyage from Aomori via Hakodate, he made the trip on a common ship called Meiji Maru. I'm not sure whether or not anyone celebrates this "memorial day", but it should be a good day to think about the ocean or the sea. About 72 percent of the earth's surface is covered by salt water, which is divided into the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian and Arctic oceans. A number of seas are connected to the oceans, but the large Caspian Sea and the small Dead Sea are actually lakes because they are inland bodies of water without any connection to an ocean. Since they are below sea level and have no outlet salt remains after their water evaporates, making them salty lakes. Sometimes storms arise on oceans, but the Bible teaches that God, the Creator of all, can calm both stormy seas and the troubled hearts of those who trust in him. (2638)
Circus (88/07/21)
The word "circus" comes from the Latin word for "circle." In ancient Rome, it referred to a ring or circular area where festivities or public spectacles were conducted, including gladiatorial combat that ended in death for the losers. In Britain, a circus is a circular area where several streets intersect. In the heart of London is the famous Piccadilly Circus, which is the center of traffic and of amusement. In the United States, a circus is a public entertainment consisting of a variety of performances by acrobats, clowns and trained animals that take place in a ring. A famous American circus, which is known as "The Greatest Show on Earth" is performing in Japan this summer. The Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus opened in Sapporo on July 1st and will also hold performances in Tokyo and Osaka. Sixteen elephants, fourteen lions along with horses, camels and llamas endured the 11-day voyage across the Pacific Ocean, during which some sensitive elephants lost over 360 kilograms. Upon their arrival, circus men had trouble persuading customs officials that the items called "glue guns" were not really guns, but devices that discharge glue rather than bullets. I think that sometimes the foolish antics of human beings must appear like a circus in the eyes of God. (2639)
Emma Lazarus (88/07/22)
In the New Testament, Lazarus was the name of a man who lived in the town of Bethany. The story of Jesus raising him from the dead is found in the 11th chapter of the Gospel of John. Lazarus was also the surname of an American poet and essayist who was born in New York City 139 years ago today, on July 22, 1849. Along with writing and translating poetry, Emma Lazarus devoted herself to helping Russian Jewish refugees in America. In many periodicals and in poems, she wrote in defense of Judaism. Her most famous poem, The New Colossus, was a sonnet to the Statue of Liberty. That colossal monument was dedicated in 1886, a year before her death. In1903, the closing lines of that poem were inscribed on its pedestal. They read: "Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses, yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming share, Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed, to me: I lift my lamp beside the golden door." Except for the unfortunate native American Indians, all present-day Americans are descendants of immigrants who have sought a better life behind that 'golden door'. America is still an imperfect place, but it has provided a refuge for people of all nationalities from around the world. (2640)
Ninomiya Sontoku (88/07/23)
Some years ago I was interviewed by a newspaper reporter who wrote a special article about my life and work. I was surprised to read as a sub-headline of the article: Marude Ninomiya Kinjirō San: Although I had read of Ninomiya Sontoku, I was not acquainted with Ninomiya Kinjirō. Checking a reference book I found that both names were used for the same man and I realized the headline was an editorial exaggeration. 201 years ago, on this 23rd day of the 7th month according to the lunar calendar, Sontoku, or Kinjiro, was born into a poor farmer's family in Sagami. Bereft of both parents at an early age, he became an example to young people by his hard work and diligent study. As a result, his statue was erected on the grounds of many elementary schools in Japan. Ninomiya Sontoku did much to improve the life of farmers by his practical teaching and example. He emphasized that manual labor is the worthiest of human activities, that a kind of planned agrarian economy is necessary, that unselfish, cooperative action is important and that life should be a continual act of thanks giving, which he called "repaying virtue" or hōtoku. Personally, I find much in the thought of Mr. Ninomiya that is in keeping with a Christian spirit. (2641)
Abraham (88/07/24)
A "venture" is a daring undertaking of some kind. Since the outcome of a venture is uncertain, it is a kind of "adventure", including both risk and excitement. "Adventure" comes from the same Latin root as "advent", meaning arrival. The Old Testament history of the Hebrew people is a kind of adventure story, which began with the venture of the Jewish patriarch, Abraham. God's call to Abraham to venture forth into a new kind of life is found in Genesis, chapter 12. In one sense, this call of God and Abraham's response is the beginning of the first chapter of Jewish and Christian history. God called Abraham to leave his familiar surroundings and to venture forth in faith, to become a pioneer. Unsure of where he was going and what kind of experiences he would meet in that new land, Abraham simply trusted God and obeyed. He has become the model of a man of faith for Christians who view the advent of Christ as the beginning of the final chapter of the adventure of faith that began with Abraham. God continues to call people today to venture into new areas and new ways of thinking. Although it is difficult to give up the old and familiar, the life of faith is an exciting adventure that gives meaning to life as we hope and work for the advent of a better day to come. (2642)
Bird hospitals (88/07/25)
The North Sea is an arm of the Atlantic Ocean situated in northwestern Europe between the United Kingdom, Norway and central Europe. Previously, it was well-known for its fisheries, but since oil and gas deposits were discovered under its floor in 1970, it has become an important oil producing area. As a result, the North Sea is now heavily polluted with oil slicks. Many migrating birds that fly from their breeding grounds on the shores of Scotland, Scandinavia and the northern Soviet Union get mired in such oil slicks on their way to warmer climates in southern Europe. There are now a number of bird hospitals in the Netherlands where volunteer staff members nurse sick or injured birds back to health and freedom. This volunteer activity is a reflection of the Christian tradition that teaches human treatment for man and beast alike. (2643)
Pygmalion (88/07/26)
Have you ever heard of Pygmalion? In Greek mythology, he was a king who sculptured a beautiful statue of a woman and then prayed to the goddess of love for a wife just like the statue. In answer to his prayer, life was given to the statue and Pygmalion married his own statue that had come to life. Pygmalion was also the name of a play written by the famous Irish playwright, George Bernard Shaw, who was born 132 years ago today, on July 26,1856. The play, a satire on English class attitudes, depicted a cockney girl's transformation into a lady by a speech professor. It became the basis for the 1956 musical My Fair Lady. In the play, we find these lines: "He's a gentleman: look at his boots." The implication is that a gentleman can be recognized by the clothes he wears. However, as the Japanese proverb puts it, even a lowly pack-horse driver may look like a gentleman if he wears fine clothes: Magonimo Ishō. In fact, clothes do not make the man. It's what's inside the clothes that's important. In Matthew 7:15, Jesus warned his disciples against wolves who are dressed in sheep's clothing to deceive others and we need to be on the lookout against such imposters even today. (2644)
White (88/07/27)
A Japanese cosmetics firm recently surveyed 130,000 women throughout Japan to find out their favorite colors. They were asked what color they thought was most beautiful. What color do you think came in first? I was surprised to learn that one out of four of the women surveyed answered "white". Any observant driver is well aware that white is the most popular color for cars in Japan, but I was surprised that girls in their twenties in particular considered white the most beautiful color. A dictionary defines white as an achromatic color, which actually means a "colorless color", and "white" may refer to something lacking color. So, in a literal sense, there is a question as to whether white is a real color or not. White is the color of snow and the symbol of purity. If the women who chose white as their favorite color were motivated by a respect for purity, then I applaud their choice. A famous word of an Old Testament prophet, found in Isaiah, chapter 1, verse 18, is that even though our sins are the color of scarlet, God will make them as white as snow. The next meeting of listeners to these telephone messages will be held on Sunday afternoon, August 21st, at the NTT Building in Sannomaru, Naka-ku, Nagoya. This is "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office, Nagoya 463. (2645)
Peru (88/07/28)
Japan is one of fourteen countries whose national flags have only the two colors of red and white. Another of those countries is the sole country in South America with only four letters in its name. This country was the center of the old Incan Empire, which had an advanced civilization. Its name, Peru, is one of many names of countries, including Japan, that have been derived from the corrupted pronunciation of foreigners. Actually, "peru" is the Spanish corruption of a native Indian word for a South American kind of bamboo. This area was conquered by the Spanish adventurer, Francisco Pizarro, in the 16th century, but on July 28,1821, Peru declared its independence from Spain, so today is Independence Day there. The largest city and capital of Peru is Lima. The name of this city comes from the Spanish corruption of the native Indian name of the river on which the city is located. The Kechua Indian word rimaq means "talking" or "noisy". The population of Lima is almost ten times more than that of the country's second largest city. Peru ranks among the world's leaders in silver production, but according to Proverbs 16:16, gaining understanding is more valuable than silver. (2646)
Snails (88/07/29)
What does the word "snail", or katatsumuri in Japanese, bring to your mind? Some people may think of food, for I understand that some snails are very tasty. But probably most people will relate this word to very slow movement. A couple of weeks ago, the third annual Spanish Snail Stone Pulling Championship was conducted in the northern Spanish town of Bilbao. The 79 snails that took part were required to pull stones weighing 240 grams for ten minutes. The winner of the recent contest, a snail named "Hercules", pulled its stone for 42.5 centimeters during the allotted time. We may speak of a very slow-moving person as a snail, but there is a saying that "the snail in time climbs up the castle's tower". It may take a snail longer to gain its goal, but if it persists, it will arrive. In the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 9, verse 11, the pessimistic writer noted that "fast runners do not always win the race" and "capable men do not always rise to high positions" because "bad luck happens to everyone". From the Christian perspective, however, even so-called "bad luck" can be used for some good purpose and slow-moving snails have their own peculiar function to perform. (2647)
Sphinx (88/07/02)
Loyalty (88/07/03)
Independence Day (88/07/04)
Davis Cup (88/07/05)
Sa-bu (88/07/06)
The Milky Way (88/07/07)
Amnesty International (88/07/08)
Mazes (88/07/09)
"Busybody" (88/07/10)
Mongolia (88/07/11)
Henry David Thoreau (88/07/12)
Announcements (88/07/13)
Yellow dresses (88/07/14)
Rembrandt (88/07/15)
Blind triathlon contestant (88/07/16)
"A great High Priest" (88/07/17)
William Thackeray (88/07/18)
Sandinista Revolution (88/07/19)
Umi no kinenbi (88/07/20)
Circus (88/07/21)
Emma Lazarus (88/07/22)
Ninomiya Sontoku (88/07/23)
Abraham (88/07/24)
Bird hospitals (88/07/25)
Pygmalion (88/07/26)
White (88/07/27)
Peru (88/07/28)
Snails (88/07/29)
"In God We Trust" (88/07/30)
Moses (88/07/31)
Ruwanda and Burundi (88/07/01)